open access: Cancer in older patients: an analysis of elderly oncology - Is it even possible to define when someone is elderly?

Blogger's Note: (ie. opinion) this paper definitely has some 'language' issues, obviously (?) not patient/consumer reviewed

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Conclusion

The field of onco-geriatrics is vastly expanding. The demand from older patients is increasing, and is predicted to continue to expand for the foreseeable future. Life expectancy has increased, and in turn has patient expectations regarding the quality of their lives in the latter decades of age. The burden of oncology in the elderly will need to take a modern approach regarding the management of these patients. The use of screening and predictive tools can help make better decisions for these patients. Continued collaboration between organisations has also helped to develop the management of these patients; the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) was founded in 2000 with a purpose to advance the art, science and practice of oncology in elderly patients and maintain a high common standard of healthcare in elderly patients with cancer [16]. This and other similar steps forward will hopefully bring a more tailored and higher standard of care to older oncology patients.